RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

PCR for Aspergillus Fumigatus in Blood and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for Monitoring Cases of Invasive Aspergillosis: What is Its Prognostic Value

Doctors are studying a lung infection called invasive aspergillosis, caused by a fungus called Aspergillus. They currently use a blood test (called PCR) and another test (galactomannan) to help diagnose this infection and check on patients at risk. While a positive PCR test usually means the infection is more advanced, we don't know much about how useful it is for tracking treatment. This study aims to find out if changes in the PCR test results during treatment can show if the medicine is working. The research will help doctors better understand how to use this test to monitor patients and improve care for this serious condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

100

Start

17 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2026

Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis

What is this study about?

This research is all about a serious lung infection called invasive aspergillosis. This infection is caused by a common fungus called Aspergillus, which can make people very ill, especially those with weakened immune systems. Doctors currently use different tools to diagnose this infection and keep an eye on patients. One of these tools is a special blood test called a PCR test, which looks for tiny bits of the Aspergillus fungus in the blood or in fluid from the lungs. They also use another test called galactomannan.

At the moment, a positive PCR test often suggests the infection is quite advanced. However, there isn't much information about how the results of this PCR test change while a patient is being treated with antifungal medication. The main aim of this study is to look closely at these PCR test results over time. Researchers want to see if the levels of the fungus detected by the PCR test go down when treatment is working, which could help doctors understand if the medication is effective.

Ultimately, the goal is to learn more about how useful this PCR test is for monitoring patients with invasive aspergillosis. If doctors can better understand what the test results mean during treatment, they can make more informed decisions about a patient's care. This could lead to better outcomes for people with this challenging infection.

Key takeaways

Study examines how a PCR test for Aspergillus fungus changes during treatment for lung infection.
Aims to see if test result changes show if medication is working.
Only uses existing medical records; no new tests or appointments required.
Could help doctors better monitor and treat invasive aspergillosis in the future.
Participation is voluntary and your privacy is protected.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to be at least 18 years old. You would also need to have had a positive Aspergillus fumigatus PCR test from either your blood or lung fluid when you were first diagnosed with a specific type of lung infection called invasive aspergillosis. This test must have been done at Strasbourg University Hospital between January 2017 and December 2024.

There are also some reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. For example, if you didn't have another PCR test for Aspergillus after your first one, or if doctors couldn't confirm you had invasive aspergillosis. Also, if you started taking antifungal medication for Aspergillus before your very first PCR test, or if you sadly passed away within 72 hours of starting antifungal treatment, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you have a positive Aspergillus PCR test at diagnosis between 2017-2024?
Was your PCR test done at Strasbourg University Hospital?
Did you have a confirmed diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis?
Did you have at least one follow-up Aspergillus PCR test?
Did you start antifungal treatment for Aspergillus after your first PCR test?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study doesn't involve any extra visits, new medications, or follow-up appointments from your usual care. It's what's called a 'retrospective' study. This means researchers will be looking back at information and test results (like your PCR tests) that were already collected as part of your routine medical care for invasive aspergillosis at Strasbourg University Hospital. You won't be asked to do anything new. The total duration of the study involves researchers reviewing past medical records from 2017 to 2024.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only involves looking at your existing medical records and test results, there are no direct physical risks or new procedures involved for you. The potential benefit is that the information gathered could help doctors in the future to better understand and treat invasive aspergillosis, leading to improved care for patients with this condition. Your decision to allow your anonymous data to be used is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales - CHU de Strasbourg - France
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Aspergillus fumigatus?

It's a common type of mould (fungus) that can cause a serious lung infection, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

What is a PCR test?

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. It's a very sensitive lab test that can find tiny pieces of genetic material from the fungus in your blood or lung fluid.

Why is this study important?

It will help doctors understand if changes in the PCR test during treatment can show if the medication is working, which could improve how they look after patients.

Do I need to do anything if I take part?

No, you don't need to do anything new. Researchers will only look at your existing medical records and test results that you've already had.

Will my personal details be safe?

Yes, your personal information will be kept strictly private and confidential. The study will likely use anonymised data, meaning your name won't be linked to the results.

How to find out more

baptiste Hoellinger, MD

baptiste.hoellinger@chru-strasbourg.fr 33 3 69 55 05 45 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.